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Updated: Jun 20, 2026
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Laparoscopic Splenectomy with Pericardial Devascularization for Hypersplenism and Esophageal Variceal Hemorrhage Due to Portal Hypertension
Published on: November 15, 2024
Splenic rupture following colonoscopy, a rare complication
J de Vries1, H R Ronnen, A P A Oomen
1Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, St. Anna Hospital, Geldrop, The Netherlands.
The Netherlands Journal of Medicine
|September 15, 2009
Summary
Splenic rupture is a rare but serious complication of colonoscopy. Increased screening may lead to more cases, necessitating awareness for prompt diagnosis and management.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Complications
Background:
- Splenic rupture is an exceptionally rare complication following colonoscopy, with fewer than 80 reported cases globally since 1970.
- The incidence of colonoscopies is projected to increase due to nationwide colorectal cancer screening programs and surveillance protocols.
Observation:
- This report details two cases of splenic rupture post-colonoscopy: one with hemorrhagic shock after therapeutic colonoscopy and another with abdominal pain after diagnostic colonoscopy.
- Both patients were diagnosed with splenic rupture via abdominal computed tomography (CT scan).
Findings:
- One patient was successfully treated with selective splenic artery embolization.
- The other patient required a splenectomy for management of the splenic rupture.
Implications:
- Increased colonoscopy rates are expected to result in a higher number of splenic injury cases.
- Early recognition and prompt management are crucial for this potentially life-threatening complication.
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